SCDF Deploys Operation Lionheart Contingent To Laos

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has accepted the Singapore Government’s offer to assist with flood relief efforts following the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower dam in Attapeu Province, Laos.

A 17-member Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Operation Lionheart contingent departed for Laos from Paya Lebar Air Base on two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 transport aircraft at 7 am today. The contingent was sent off by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development. This is the 17th Operation Lionheart overseas deployment since 1990.  

Led by SCDF’s MAJ Seloterio Euan Izmal, the contingent comprises a total of nine officers from the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, four fire and rescue specialists, two operations officers, a paramedic and a technical support officer.

Upon arrival in Laos, the contingent will work closely with the local authorities to conduct search and rescue operations in Attapeu Province. To support its operations there, SCDF will deploy utility vehicles, and specialised search and rescue tools.